The Highland pony is native to Scotland and its history can be dated back to 1880. The breed is exceptionally hardy and they were originally bred for use on farms and in agriculture. The Highland bloodline was used to strengthen many other breeds and they are regularly crossed with Thoroughbreds to produce event horses. There are around 5,500 Highland ponies around the world, but they are categorised as category 4 ‘at risk’ by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

Conformation

Highland ponies are between 13 to 14.2 hands in height. The most common colour is grey but Highland ponies can also be bay, black and dun. Highland ponies are stocky and well built. They have strong, deep shoulders and powerful hindquarters. Legs are broad and they have a high bone density, allowing them to carry a large amount of weight for their size. The mane and tail is long and flowing and they have silky feathers on the legs. The highland has a thick dense double coat in the winter allowing them to live out in all conditions. The winter coat consists of a layer of strong coarse hair over a soft dense undercoat, which is shed completely in the summer to reveal a smooth, silky coat.

Temperament

Highland ponies are known for their very kind and gentle temperament. They are hard workers and they have a high stamina for work.